How to Clean & Protect Stainless Steel from Rust & Fingerprints
Tired of cleaning fingerprints that are ruining the look of your stainless appliances? Does the thought of outdoor stainless steel rusting give you chills? Relax! Here's how you can keep your stainless steel easy to clean and gleaming like new, both inside and out.
Stainless Steel is Stain"Less" - Not Stain"Free"
It is a misconception that stainless steel is stain-free. "Stainless" implies a resistance to staining, rusting and pitting; however salt air, acid rain, environmental contaminants and other damaging elements will eventually cause changes in the metal. Depending on the grade of stainless steel, it generally has a higher resistance to the effects of environmental exposure but will still be affected by the elements over time. Light overall discoloration or rust on stainless steel is called “tea-staining” and is very common. Stainless steel is also very susceptible to fingerprints, smudges and scratches.
​
Stop Cleaning Stainless: Cleaning your stainless steel is a chore that has to be done over and over. Now you can stop the hassle of cleaning fingerprints and smudges from your stainless by coating it with ProtectaClear or CrobialCoat. They are crystal clear coatings that are practically invisible on clean stainless steel and will make your constant cleaning a thing of the past.
Stop Corrosion in Its Tracks:
-
ProtectaClear: Say goodbye to salt corrosion near the beach and other environmental threats. This easy-to-apply, self-leveling crystal clear coating has excellent adhesion to all types of stainless steel and protects your stainless steel, indoors and outdoors, for years to come.
Also available with Antimicrobial Protection:
-
CrobialCoat: For high-touch areas like appliances, CrobialCoat with Antimicrobial technology is your ally. This coating helps to prevent bacteria and microbe build-up and also reduces annoying smudges and fingerprints.
​​
-
New Stainless Steel? Simply apply ProtectaClear for long-lasting protection from fingerprints, rust and corrosion.
-
Already have Rust or Corrosion? ProtectaClear Kits with rust-removers, cleaners and coating restore stainless steel with rust, corrosion or tea-staining.
​
​
​
​
ProtectaClear is used to protect many stainless-steel applications, including appliances, sinks, architectural metal, barbeque grills railings, sculptures, artwork, elevators, monuments, building exteriors, restaurant equipment, and much more. CrobialCoat has all the protection of ProtectaClear and adds anti-microbial protection so surfaces stay 99% cleaner. The anti-microbial and anti-bacterial protection does not wash off and works 24/7 to keep your stainless steel cleaner.
STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES
Stainless Steel Appliances - Stop Fingerprints & Smudges for Good
While beautiful, stainless steel appliances can be a nightmare to keep pristine. Does the constant cleaning of fingerprints, smudges, tarnish and rust on your stainless steel appliances leave you frustrated? You're not alone! But the secret to effortless shine exists - ProtectaClear and CrobialCoat!
​
Imagine the possibilities:
-
Fingerprint-free appliances: No more endless wiping - say goodbye to fingerprints & smudges!
-
Sparkling shine: Protect your stainless steel refrigerator, dishwasher, backsplashes and more from dullness and restore its original luster.
-
Rust-proof resilience: Breathe easy knowing your outdoor appliances are shielded from damaging corrosion, rust, tea-staining and waterspots.
-
Long-lasting protection: Enjoy years of worry-free shine with our durable coatings.
-
Anti-Microbial protection: CrobialCoat helps stop bacteria & microbe build-up. Strong yet safe anti-microbial protection that does not wash off.
​​
STAINLESS STEEL SINKS
Stainless Steel Sinks - Stop Waterspots & Tarnish for Good
Is your stainless steel sink tarnished and dull? While functional, stainless steel can be a nightmare to keep clean. Waterspots and even light rust can ruin the look of your stainless steel sink. But don't worry, the secret to effortless shine and a cleaner sink exists - CrobialCoat!
​
​​CrobialCoat helps stop bacteria & microbe build-up. Strong yet safe anti-microbial protection that does not wash off.
​​
STAINLESS STEEL BARBECUE GRILLS
Keep your Stainless Grill & Outdoor Kitchen Looking New
Backyard BBQs and outdoor kitchens are meant to be fun, but the harsh reality is your stainless steel grill takes a beating from the elements. Rain, sun, and even grease all conspire to dull its shine and accelerate rust. ProtectaClear will not only keep your stainless steel barbecue or outdoor kitchen looking great by stopping rust and corrosion, but it will keep it much easier to clean as well. ProtectaClear will also protect stainless steel from fingerprints and smudges and will keep your outdoor stainless looking pristine. ​
STAINLESS STEEL ART & SCULPURES
Stainless Steel Sculptures are Magnificent - Keep Them Looking New
Stainless steel sculptures capture the light, embodying modern elegance and artistic ingenuity. However, even these durable works of art are susceptible to the ravages of time and the environment. Weathering, salt air, and pollution can dull their shine, leaving unsightly stains and even leading to rust and corrosion. This is where ProtectaClear steps in, offering a remarkable solution to preserve the beauty and integrity of your cherished stainless steel sculptures. ProtectaClear has excellent adhesion on all types of stainless steel and all finishes, brushed or polished. ProtectaClear is used to protect both delicate indoor sculptures and majestic outdoor stainless steel art from tarnish, rust and corrosion.
ARCHITECTURAL STAINLESS STEEL
Keep Stainless Steel Architecture Looking Its Best
Architects often choose stainless steel for its modern elegance and durability. However, even this resilient material needs protection from the elements. Rain, salt air, and pollution can cause dullness, unsightly watermarks, and even rust, detracting from the building's aesthetic and potentially requiring costly repairs later.
Elevators, wall panels, building entrances, columns and many more architectural elements both interior and exterior need to be protected from tarnishing, rust, corrosion and fingerprints. ProtectaClear will protect all these and more.
Problems
-
Rust
-
Corrosion
-
Staining
-
Fingerprints
-
Smudges
-
Tea-staining
-
Degradation
Causes
-
Salt Water
-
Salt Air
-
Chlorine
-
Acids
-
Atmosphere
-
Bleach
-
Improper Cleaning
Solutions
-
Cleaning over & over
-
ProtectaClear or CrobialCoat to keep your stainless looking pristine without the constant cleaning.
STAINLESS STEEL IN MARINE ENVIRONMENTS
Protect Stainless Steel Exposed to Salt Air - Stop Rust & Corrosion
Salt air is a disaster for stainless steel. Stainless steel railings, stainless steel on boats and near the ocean corrodes and rusts from the salt air and contact with salt water. Stainless steel railings and all the stainless steel in your beach home or boat are subject to rust and corrosion. ProtectaClear has excellent adhesion on stainless steel and has superior protection from salts or chlorines that damage stainless steel.
ProtectaClear lets you enjoy the coastal lifestyle without sacrificing the beauty and functionality of your stainless steel possessions. So, breathe easy, embrace the ocean breeze, and let ProtectaClear keep your stainless steel looking pristine and easy to keep clean as well.​​
How to Clean Stainless Steel & Keep It Looking Its Best
DIRECTIONS for NEW STAINLESS STEEL
-
If there is a protective film on the stainless steel, remove it by peeling it off.
-
Clean the stainless steel by washing it with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. A drop or two of dish soap works well.
-
Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth.
-
Wipe with a clean solvent. This will ensure a completely clean and dry surface to help adhesion of the coating.
-
Saturate the applicator with ProtectaClear or CrobialCoat and gently squeeze out the excess. It should be wet but not dripping.
-
Apply a smooth, even coat of the coating and let dry. When completely dry, apply a second coat. Two coats are recommended for most surfaces for long-lasting results.
​
DIRECTIONS for STAINLESS STEEL with TARNISH, CORROSION OR RUST
​
If your stainless steel has darkened or has started to rust, the stainless steel can be cleaned chemically with the ERW-XL Stainless Steel Cleaner that is included in the Stainless Steel Restoration Kits. The ERW-XL Cleaner will brighten the stainless steel and will remove rust from the surface.
We do have Kits with ERW-XL Rust Remover, Neutralizer, Applicators, and ProtectaClear or CrobialCoat coatings to protect your stainless steel long-term.
-
Apply ERW-XL Stainless Steel Cleaner - brush on liberally- allow to dwell on the surface.
-
Observe the stainless steel cleaner and agitate with a soft brush with the grain to help remove the rust from the grain of the stainless steel.
-
Neutralize: The Rust Remover is acidic. It MUST be neutralized. You can use our EZPrep Neutralizer or you can use baking soda and water to neutralize the acid.
-
Solvent wipe to ensure a completely clean and dry surface.
-
Apply ProtectaClear for protection of the stainless steel or CrobialCoat for stainless steel where anti-microbial protection is desired.